Isabelle is always constructive and insightful, demonstrating not only her expertise but also her excellent rapport with clients. She builds strong, trusting relationships, which is crucial in the sensitive and often challenging cases she handles. Isabelle’s professionalism, dedication, and organisational skills make her a key asset to the team at Reeds Solicitors, and it is a privilege to work alongside her. I have complete confidence in her ability to manage even the most complex cases with the utmost competence and care.
Lady Gené Waszkewitz (Barrister)
I am delighted to write this testimonial in support of Isabelle who recently joined the criminal law department at Reeds solicitors. ‘Isabelle’ and I have worked together on several cases including a very sensitive murder trial. She goes above and beyond in her case management and preparation making it so much easier to prepare as counsel. Not only is her case preparation excellent but her client care is exceptional.
Stephen Akinsanya (Barrister)
Izzie knows every detail of each of her cases. She works incredibly hard and manages to combine her efficiency with fantastic client care skills. Her legal knowledge is excellent, and she will always give appropriate advice. She ensures that each client is respected and receives the best possible care whilst they are negotiating the court process.
Elizabeth Muir (Barrister)
Isabelle is an exceptional defence lawyer. It is rare to find such determination to ensure that the best service sf provided to the most vulnerable clients. Even if, at face value, evidence appears overwhelming, Izzie will read it with an open mind, challenge its contents and support her client throughout the trial process from the police station to the end of the case. Izzie rightly gains the trust of her clients because she fights for them. Izzie makes things happen. She has a positive, can do, attitude and keeps cases on track. Izzie makes a difference in every case she deals with. She is simply brilliant.
Mary Prior KC (King’s Counsel and Chair of The Criminal Bar Association)
Isabelle is an experience and dedicated case worker. She is perceptive, intelligent, and hard working with the ability to assimilate vast swathes of information and quickly identify the fault lines. She is someone you want in your corner.
Henry James (Barrister)
Isabelle is always constructive and insightful, demonstrating not only her expertise but also her excellent rapport with clients. She builds strong, trusting relationships, which is crucial in the sensitive and often challenging cases she handles. Isabelle’s professionalism, dedication, and organisational skills make her a key asset to the team at Reeds Solicitors, and it is a privilege to work alongside her. I have complete confidence in her ability to manage even the most complex cases with the utmost competence and care.
Lady Gené Waszkewitz (Barrister)
I am delighted to write this testimonial in support of Isabelle who recently joined the criminal law department at Reeds solicitors. ‘Isabelle’ and I have worked together on several cases including a very sensitive murder trial. She goes above and beyond in her case management and preparation making it so much easier to prepare as counsel. Not only is her case preparation excellent but her client care is exceptional.
Stephen Akinsanya (Barrister)
Izzie knows every detail of each of her cases. She works incredibly hard and manages to combine her efficiency with fantastic client care skills. Her legal knowledge is excellent, and she will always give appropriate advice. She ensures that each client is respected and receives the best possible care whilst they are negotiating the court process.
Elizabeth Muir (Barrister)
Isabelle is an exceptional defence lawyer. It is rare to find such determination to ensure that the best service sf provided to the most vulnerable clients. Even if, at face value, evidence appears overwhelming, Izzie will read it with an open mind, challenge its contents and support her client throughout the trial process from the police station to the end of the case. Izzie rightly gains the trust of her clients because she fights for them. Izzie makes things happen. She has a positive, can do, attitude and keeps cases on track. Izzie makes a difference in every case she deals with. She is simply brilliant.
Mary Prior KC (King’s Counsel and Chair of The Criminal Bar Association)
Isabelle is an experience and dedicated case worker. She is perceptive, intelligent, and hard working with the ability to assimilate vast swathes of information and quickly identify the fault lines. She is someone you want in your corner.
Henry James (Barrister)
Isabelle is always constructive and insightful, demonstrating not only her expertise but also her excellent rapport with clients. She builds strong, trusting relationships, which is crucial in the sensitive and often challenging cases she handles. Isabelle’s professionalism, dedication, and organisational skills make her a key asset to the team at Reeds Solicitors, and it is a privilege to work alongside her. I have complete confidence in her ability to manage even the most complex cases with the utmost competence and care.
Lady Gené Waszkewitz (Barrister)
Isabelle Sly is a very experienced Senior Associate Caseworker with over ten years of experience in criminal defence. She handles serious criminal cases and works out of both our Northampton and Leighton Buzzard offices.
Having begun her career at a Northamptonshire family-run criminal law firm, Isabelle then spent eight years at an highly respected regional criminal practice. She now brings her extensive experience and knowledge to Reeds Solicitors, where she represents serious and complex offences, including murder, sexual offence, and multi-million-pound drug conspiracies.
Isabelle is known for her dependability, thorough case preparation, and complete commitment to client service. She takes pride in handling every case with caution and attention to detail, ensuring clients feel shielded throughout the legal process.
A hardworking representative and dedicated professional, Isabelle is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for her clients. She combines an impassioned style of representation with an approachable, earthy demeanor, earning the respect and trust of clients and professionals alike.
Professional Qualifications & Memberships for Isabelle Murray
- Police Station Accreditation
Recent and notable cases
R v L – Murder (2020)
Instructed to represent one of four charged with murder and conspiracy to rob in a “drug deal gone wrong”. L was found not guilty of murder and convicted of manslaughter.
R v S – S18 GBH (2022)
S was charged with s18 GBH (causing grievous bodily harm with intent) and possession of an offensive weapon. Full incident was captured on CCTV. Successful representations were made to the CPS that S was acting in self-defence, and case was discontinued prior to first hearing.
R v R – Murder (2023)
Instructed to represent one of two youths charged with joint enterprise murder following schoolboy being stabbed. R pleaded guilty to being in possession of a knife during the incident. After a three-week trial, R was unanimously found not guilty murder and manslaughter. R received a youth rehabilitation order in respect of possessing a knife. Co-defendant was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.
R v K – Cruelty To A Person Under 16 Years (2024)
K was charged with causing cruelty to their child by doing things that caused them to become ill and reporting illnesses that did not exist. It was further alleged that K smothered their child with bedclothes in a hospital room. The Crown stated that K was fabricating, exaggerating, and / or misrepresenting the child’s symptoms to seek unnecessary treatment. Following a three-week trial, K was found not guilty of all charges.
R v G – Cruelty To A Person Under 16 Years (2024)
G was interviewed voluntarily for an allegation of cruelty to their son. It was decided immediately that no further action would be taken following police interview.
R v F – Attempted Murder (2024)
Instructed to represent F charged with attempted murder. On-going matter with us raising self-defence, awaiting trial.
R v T – Attempted Murder (2025)
Instructed to represent T charged with attempted murder. Complex issues surrounding mental health and is awaiting trial.
R v M – Attempted Murder x 2 (2025)
Instructed to represent M charged with two attempted murders. On-going matter with us raising self-defence, awaiting trial.
R v H – Conspiracy to Supply Class A Drugs (2019)
Instructed to represent one of six charged with conspiracy to supply controlled drugs. H was the only defendant who was found not guilty, despite forensics and telephone evidence implicating them. Co-defendants were sentenced to over ten years in custody.
R v C – Conspiracy to Supply Class A and B Drugs (2020)
Instructed to represent one of thirteen charged with supplying 1.75kg of cocaine and 50kg of amphetamines. C was the only defendant found not guilty following trial. Co-defendants were convicted and jailed to almost 100 years in total.
R v A – Cultivation of Cannabis (2021)
A disclosed that they were being pressured and coerced by co-defendant to use their property to cultivate cannabis. Successful representations were made to the CPS meaning charges were discontinued prior to trial.
R v R – Transfer of a Prohibited Firearm and Conspiracy to Supply Drugs (2023)
R was one of three defendants charged with transferring a handgun and conspiracy to supply class A drugs. All three defendant’s DNA was found on the handgun. Defence expert instructed on cross-contamination of DNA. R was found not guilty. Co-defendants were convicted and sentenced to over 30 years in custody.
R v A – Supplying a Controlled Drug of Class A (2024)
Instructed to represent one of two charged with supplying class A drugs, totalling 8 kilos of cocaine. Successful representations were made to the CPS meaning charges were discontinued prior to trial.
R v T – Supplying a Controlled Drug of Class A (2024)
Instructed to represent one of two charged with supplying class A drugs. T was also charged with possession of cannabis and on a suspended sentence order (SSO) with supplying class A drugs. Successful representations were made to the CPS meaning that supply charge was discontinued prior to first hearing. T received additional hours of unpaid work to their existing SSO. Co-defendant was sentenced to 44 months in custody.
R v H – Supplying a Controlled Drug of Class A (2024)
Expert reports and successful NRM (National Referral Mechanism for identifying and referring potential victims of modern slavery) obtained. H was found to be a victim of modern slavery and CPS offered no evidence prior to trial.
R v R – Sexual Assault by Penetration (2022)
Alleged that R had sexually assaulted female whilst walking home. Expert DNA evidence served by CPS. Defence DNA expert instructed in response and R was found not guilty following trial.
R v D – Rape, Sexual Assault, Controlling and Coercive Behaviour (2023)
D was arrested on suspicion of domestic related offences, including rape and sexual assault. Representations were made to the officer in charge of the police investigation that the complainant had made false allegations due to D ending the relationship. D was no further actioned.
R v N – Sexual Assault (2024)
Two allegations of sexual assault of a child under 13 were discontinued following representations being made to the CPS. N was found not guilty of outstanding charge of sexual assault following trial.
R v C – Rape, Assault by Penetration, Non-Fatal Strangulation (2024)
Domestic allegations made by C’s partner following a six-month relationship. Defence obtained C’s mobile phone download which consequently assisted in C being found not guilty of all charges following trial.
R v S – Possession of a Prohibited Firearm (2023)
S was pulled over by the police and they found a prohibited firearm (revolver) under driver’s seat of vehicle. DNA expert instructed by the defence and S was found not guilty.
R v L – Arson (2024)
L charged with causing fire within residential flats. Successful representations were made to the CPS meaning charge was discontinued two days prior to trial.
R v H – Controlling / Coercive Behaviour (2024)
H was arrested following ex-partner making report of controlling or coercive behaviour. No further action was taken following police interview.
R v Z – Robbery (2024)
Z was arrested on suspicion of knife-point robbery against another youth. No further action was taken following police interview.